Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

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I heard about this game earlier on Kotaku, and it looked interesting. Here's the rundown:

It's basically a puzzle game with a storyline and RPG elements. The game plays out like Bejewelled, only turn-based. You and your opponent take turns trying to line up 3 like icons on the playing field. Lining up 3 skulls does damage to your opponent, lining up 3 piles of gold gives you more money, 3 purple stars give you more exp, and 3 multicolored icons give you magic points towards casting spells. You can also buy weapons, armor, and other equipment to help you out in battle.

Here's a trailer for the game:

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eayFHoJStTw[/media]
I d/led the PC demo and was hooked for the past few hours, and I plan to pick up the DS version asap.
 
Yea, the review on Gamestop made this look a lot better than I thought (with such a generic title, there ain't much to expect). They're sayin the DS version's a bit messed up tho, hard to read bottom screen play kinda worries me...If anyone could give their impression, thatd be cool!
 
I thought about making this topic yesterday. This game looks interesting but it seems like one of those games that will drop to $20 so I'll wait before I do anything.
 
I played the PC for a few hours two nights ago and decided to pick up the DS version yesterday.

For the first ten minutes I felt like I should have stuck with the PC version. There's no doubt that the DS version looks worse but that shouldn't really come as a surprise.

After that initial ten minutes (and you may not even have an issue if you've never played the PC demo) everything was fine. Yes, the font is small but there should be no problem reading the text.

IMO, the interface works really well with the stylus - just know that it's easier to make an illegal move with the stylus than clicking a button.

The illegal move thing is more frustrating that anything else - you lose your turn and that can smart when you leave a four-in-a-row there for your opponent.

The sound is really nice and the graphics aren't too bad. The art style reminds me of Fire Emblem with the portraits being really nice. Again, the puzzle board doesn't compare to the PC version but it gets the job done.

After playing the DS version yesterday for about 4 hours I can honestly say that this has the potential to be my fave DS ever. I feel like it was made just for me.

The multi-player game is multi-cart local which is a bit of a bummer but too be honest I'm not sure that I can imagine playing this multi-player anyway.

Also, the DS version has two save slots for those of you who share a DS.
 
This sounds interesting.. but when Nintendo Power's overly generous reviews give it a 5, I have a hard time getting interested.
 
The reviews I've read seem to think the PSP version is slightly better (load times vs. clunky touch screen interface). I'm not sure version to buy, since I have both consoles, and someone told me they had encountered a bug in the PSP version (something about companions not working).
 
I've been hooked on the PC version for most of the week, and I've already ordered the DS version. Really looking forward to it.

I've always liked Bejeweled as a chillout game, but it's always been very shallow. Puzzle Quest really adds that extra strategic depth to make it a very satisfying experience.

According to the developer's forums, the PSP version shipped with a bug that means your companions don't work at all. A minor flaw, but still another reason to opt for the DS version.

The feature list of the PC demo seems like a pretty strong implication that there'll be a PC version before long, but the developer's remaining pretty tight-lipped about it. Chances are it'll go ahead if the portable versions sell well.

There's also rumours of a XBL Arcade version in the works, but that's largely unsubstantiated.
 
This game had a strange release. I preordered it from Amazon on January 31st. On release date, March 20th, Amazon said they wouldn't have Puzzle Quest until the 29th. And then it shipped yesterday. Still Amazon sucks because I won't receive it now until at least Monday. Maybe they didn't make a lot of copies. I really enjoyed the PC demo though, and if you have any interest in an RPG/Puzzle/Stategy hybrid you owe it to yourself to at least try the demo.
 
[quote name='sidochrome']According to the developer's forums, the PSP version shipped with a bug that means your companions don't work at all. A minor flaw, but still another reason to opt for the DS version.
[/quote]

That, coupled with the fact that I don't know anyone else with a PSP for multi-player, means I'll be picking up the DS version. Now, do I use the BB coupon, or wait for Target's DS sale on Sunday? :lol:
 
[quote name='3/25 Target Ad from the Deals section']$24 NDS Games:


Choose from over 30 NDS titles // Includes ALL Regular $29.99 and above DS games[/quote]

That deal. Of course, knowing Target, they might not have such a quirky title in stock.
 
[quote name='nuttyturnip']That deal. Of course, knowing Target, they might not have such a quirky title in stock.[/quote]

I didn't see it at mine... they didn't have Theme Park either... but what they have is probably a big YMMV ;)
 
[quote name='PleasantOne']I didn't see it at mine... they didn't have Theme Park either... but what they have is probably a big YMMV ;)[/quote]

I checked Target's homepage for the game, and apparently it's only available online.
 
Someone sent me the link for the PC demo of this last week and I was hooked at first sight. I love the way the RPG portions are done particularly. The graphics are simple but very appealing too. I don't know if it will be hard to find or not. Once I found out it was out I immediately went on gamestop's site to see if any nearby had it in stock. According to Gamestop no stores within 200 miles of me had any copies in. Knowing the site is often unreliable I went out today looking for it anyway and grabbed the last DS copy at an EB an hour away or so.
 
Is anyone else having an occasional problem with the DS thinking you made an 'illegal move' on occasion? The control doesn't quite seem spot-on.

Problem two: when resuming a saved game, the difficultly always resets to normal.

Still, the concept of fighting through a bejeweled type game is great.
 
[quote name='jer7583']This sounds interesting.. but when Nintendo Power's overly generous reviews give it a 5, I have a hard time getting interested.[/quote]While I'm not yet sold on this game yet (gonna try the PC demo at some point, an wait for a $20 price), the NP review gave it a 5 because the reviewer hates Bejeweled, and doesn't think the RPG elements are very deep (which is probably true). And obviously if you think Bejeweled is boring as hell, you wouldn't want a turn-based Bejeweled.
 
[quote name='botticus']the NP review gave it a 5 because the reviewer hates Bejeweled[/quote]

How the heck can anyone hate Bejeweled? I freakin love that game :lol: I wish this had released at $20 though... I have a hard time justifying $30 for a game of this nature :/
 
[quote name='mrchainsaw']I thought about making this topic yesterday. This game looks interesting but it seems like one of those games that will drop to $20 so I'll wait before I do anything.[/QUOTE]


Or it could sell out and end up fetching $50 on ebay...you never know with ds titles these days. :)
 
On one hand, the game is already reduced to being available at every OTHER gamestop, which is a good sign.

On the other hand, nothing this publisher has previously printed has become rare, but could be partially due to them printing mediocre games
 
I've been enjoying this game. Yes, the PC demo spoiled me with it's gigantic screen, but I still love the DS version. I usually just sit down play a round, take a break and come back after awhile.
The roleplaying aspects are quite nifty. I built a dungeon and forge already. I even got my skeptical boyfriend interested in it.
 
[quote name='toper']Or it could sell out and end up fetching $50 on ebay...you never know with ds titles these days. :)[/quote]

I'm wondering this myself... it's not on Best Buy's site, not at the store... not at Target... Theme Park is the same way... but then maybe they're just slow!
 
[quote name='Josef']FYI, I saw this at Best Buy today, so you can GGC it.[/quote]

You, sir, suck royally. :) I went to Best Buy today, with my $5 coupon, but they didn't have the game. I checked their website, and it wasn't listed, so I assumed they don't carry it. Ended up going to 2 EBs (the first said they were out of stock, and I wasn't the first to ask about it).

I can't recommend this game enough. It's incredibly addictive.
 
I had to end up buying it at amazon.com after my fruitful search of target, best buy, toys r us, and two gamestops came up empty.
 
I'm officially obsessed with this game. I got it a couple days ago, and I've been up every night until 4am playing it. There's a lot more to do in the game, then appears at first glance. I just built my siege factory so I can start taking over towns now, got a forge to make weapons, can capture enemies, train my mount, and do lots of sidequests. I think for now I'm going to level up a bit. I want to capture some cities, and they're like 5 levels higher than me...
 
[quote name='RollingSkull']Target shot me down. They had a bunch of Puzzle Quest, but they said the $24 sale didn't apply. I'll try BB tomorrow.[/quote]

Do you have any idea when your Target put the game out? I was there a couple days ago, and they still didn't have it... thought maybe stores just got it in.

I would try back at Target for it if BB doesn't work out... they have no right to deny you, the ad says all games $29.99 and over!
 
[quote name='PleasantOne']I would try back at Target for it if BB doesn't work out... they have no right to deny you, the ad says all games $29.99 and over![/quote]
I worked retail once, and I feel too much empathy with these saps to go all bitchy customer on them. The game doesn't interest me THAT much...

And I couldn't say when they put it out. I know it was out as of Sunday night, and that's about all I know.
 
[quote name='RollingSkull']I worked retail once, and I feel too much empathy with these saps to go all bitchy customer on them. The game doesn't interest me THAT much...

And I couldn't say when they put it out. I know it was out as of Sunday night, and that's about all I know.[/quote]

You shouldn't have to go all bitchy, though... it seems like it should be pretty straight forward :/ But I know what you mean... I did a PM for FF3 at Best Buy yesterday... didn't know it would be such an ordeal for everyone!

I called the two Targets nearby this morning, just to check, and it's a no go around here... it seems odd that this game is so hit and miss at the major retailers... My last hope is if Walmart has it and I can PM there. Otherwise, I'm going to have to decide if I want to wait or go retail....

To those of you that have picked it up... worth $30? It sounds like at least some of you think it is...
 
I picked up the PSP version, but this game is awesome. Its so addicting its scary. Anyone who is a fan of puzzle games must pick this up no matter what portable you get it for.
 
Had the perfect Sunday:
Me sitting on the couch playing Dragon Quest VIII and my wife sitting next to me playing Puzzle Quest for about 6 hours.
 
can someone explain to me what the rules are when using the multiplier blocks? maybe I'm just stupid but it seems like sometimes when i make a move its called an illegal move, but then other times the same move isn't illegal.
 
[quote name='Milkyman']can someone explain to me what the rules are when using the multiplier blocks? maybe I'm just stupid but it seems like sometimes when i make a move its called an illegal move, but then other times the same move isn't illegal.[/QUOTE]
I'm guessing you mean the blocks with x2 or some other number on them. Those can only be matched with colored gems. Not skulls, stars or gold.
 
Hmm... according to the current news on Penny Arcade, Tycho said he was hunting for a copy of Puzzle Quest, and an EB he went to had already boxed them up and sent them back to corporate because they weren't selling.

Maybe this is going to become a rare/hard to find game? If so, I'm probably doing to bite the bullet and drop the MSRP for it.
 
Definitely enjoyed the demo, and I'll probably keep screwing around with it, having played as a druid and wizard so far. I think the dialogue is awful, but I'm interested to hear more impressions of the DS version. I'll definitely buy the game at some point.
 
I started playing the DS version last night. I think the game looks great, and the controls seem fine to me. I didn't play the PC demo so I wasn't spoiled playing it on a bigger screen with better graphics.

I went with a Wizard, and right now I'm just pumping skill points into Fire Mastery, as it seems like the best thing to do for this class at the moment.
 
This game is like crack. I had to be up early this morning for work, so I said to myself last night that I wouldn't stay up playing it again. Picked it up, and didn't go to sleep until like 4am.
 
Im LOVING this game so far! But its HARD!

Im still figuring out how to use my spells and all that, but the computer is whoppong my ass in most matches so far. Im trying to help out that damn undead specialist and Im getting rocked by orcs... and I STILL love it! lol
 
Really enjoying this game!
This is the reason I enjoy this system so much! Once again the DS proves to me that I enjoy "games" not graphics. Games that are a little outside the normal realm of things. What a great concept. It has that "i'll just play one more!" aspect and then, next thing you know your battery is dead on the DS. I picked it up at MSRP because it seems to be already hard to find. I plan on heading back to Target today to pick another up for my nephew. Just thought I'd chime in, if you're on the fence about this game I really recommend it!

-Chuck
 
I checked all around my town on Tuesday, but couldn't find the game anywhere, so I ordered it off of Amazon with the free shipping delay. I happened to check Best Buy's website today (my hand was shaking because I didn't play the PQ demo last night), and the stores around me suddenly had it in stock. I just picked it up 45 minutes ago. There were only 3 copies on the shelf. Needless to say, I've cancelled my Amazon order.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is this: if you couldn't find it earlier this week, check again. It may have come in with this week's shipment. No luck at Target for me, though.

Finally, tonight, I will pass level 7!
 
I'm loving this game. I have a lvl. 18 Warrior at the moment working on my Red mana mostly. I'm currently capturing monsters and trying to take over cities for the most part. Some of these monsters I have to fight for quests are tough though.
 
Picked up this game last night. Haven't cracked it open, but the thread hasn't had much life. Are people staying away, can't find it, spending too much time playing?
 
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